It Can Be Done

Over the past four years, I have learned so much about missions. I'm continuing to learn and refine ideas every day, but my thoughts about missions have changed quite drastically over the course of my life and especially in recent years. I'm learning all the time about what it means to be "effective" and how to help without hurting (if I could recommend one book that everyone interested in learning more about missions should read, it would be this one).

Last weekend I got to witness an example of short-term missions done responsibly and very well. Our team leaders, Joel and Jill Skinner, have a deep commitment to making disciples of Jesus Christ and are actively leading our team in that direction no matter what type of ministry we're individually involved in.

The Skinner's friends and sending church in Texas know this desire they have for making disciples who will, in turn, go out and make more disciples. Four men, close friends of Joel and Jill, recently came to Mbarara for one week. They had been working with the Skinners to plan a weekend discipleship conference for university students in Mbarara, and they came out to lead and run it. About sixty students attended the conference, which was held on the Skinner's compound. They developed curriculum for and taught sessions all about discipleship: what it means, why it's important, how it's Biblical, and what it practically looks like for us today.

This event was a perfect example of how short-term missions can be done well. These men came out under the authority and leadership of long-term missionaries that have an understanding of the culture and particular needs of the area and target population.
They came out to participate in and support our on-going ministry and goals.
They didn't come with their own agenda but to encourage the work that is already being done.
They came under the leadership of our team leader and continually referred the students back to them, knowing they are the ones who are committed to serving here long-term.
And because our team is church-centered, desiring to see the local, established church rise up to take our place, our team leader continually referred the students back to the local pastors attending and supporting the conference.

This entire process was a great example of how short-term missions can still be done in a way that genuinely helps, encourages, and supports without the many detrimental effects these short trips so often have on the long-term missionaries and local community. When those men left after their seven days here, they didn't leave a gaping hole to be filled.
They didn't leave the students hanging, excited about God's calling on their lives but with no where to turn for the next steps in obedience.
They didn't come and throw resources, money, and power around in the name of Jesus.
They didn't leave local people feeling more impoverished and helpless than before.

They did provide deep encouragement and friendship for our team leaders.
They did spur them on in the good work that they're committed to here.
They offered challenging, Biblical thoughts for the students and us to dwell on.
They pointed these students back to the local leaders for support and further teaching.
And most importantly, they pointed all of us back to Christ, the ultimate example of discipleship.

It is possible to do short-term missions well! And I'm thankful to the people who are willing to leave their families and comforts for a time to come serve and support those who have done the same.